The Charms of Holland & Belgium

Welcome to Amsterdam, a fascinating 700 year old city of picturesque canals, world class museums, theatres and cafés. You will be met and transferred from the airport to your Emerald Waterways luxury river cruise ship. This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner on board.

This morning, you can decide to either enjoy a visit to Haarlem a quaint neighbouring town of Amsterdam, rich in history and culture or join a guided bike tour. Return to the ship for your first day sailing through the Dutch countryside passing windmills and sailing through locks towards the Rhine River. Tonight, the Captain will be delighted to host a gala dinner.
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Bike Tour

This morning enjoy a guided tour of Dordrecht; the oldest city in Holland, before travelling to the Kinderdijk Windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This unique collection of nineteen authentic 18th-century windmills is considered a Dutch icon throughout the world. Alternatively, join a guided bike tour in Dordrecht. Your afternoon is at leisure to relax on board or explore the city of Dordrecht further
EmeraldPLUS: Visit to Kinderdijk Windmills

This morning we arrive in Antwerp - Belgium’s biggest port, positioned on the River Sheltz with a large harbour linking to the sea. As Belgium’s second largest city, it has been pivotal in the country’s history of occupations and conquests. Home to the famous Baroque artist Pieter Paul Rubens, it attracts art lovers and diamond dealers from all over the world. Having been decimated during WWII, today the city is modern and organised, yet still retains an intriguing medieval heart. Enjoy the guided walking tour of the city centre, passing by  its café-filled cobbled lanes, admiring the Renaissance Town Hall and the unique Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady, the symbol of Antwerp before passing through the charming 16th century inner yard, the ‘Vlaeykensgang’.

DiscoverMORE: Tour to Bruges (extra expense)

*** Please note, you can only choose either included tour of Antwerp or the DiscoverMORE option, as both tours run at the same time.

After a relaxing morning spent sailing through the Dutch waterways, arrive in Maastricht, Holland’s oldest fortified city. Your city tour will provide you the opportunity to pass by many museums, churches, historical buildings, hidden alleys and squares. You will be amazed by all the different architecture found in the city, ranging from Roman excavations to the modern design of the Bonnefantenmuseum. Alternatively, join a guided bike tour in Maastricht.
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Bike Tour in Maastricht

Arnhem is most famous for its great battle during World War II, its iconic bridge - the sight where the British forces were captured. Today, you can choose to tour the Airborne Museum Hartenstein which is dedicated to the Battle of Arnhem in 1944. Alternatively, you can take part on a guided bike tour around Arnhem.
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Bike Tour in Arnhem

This morning you will arrive in Utrecht. Situated in central Netherlands, it has been a religious centre for centuries. You tour will take you through the medieval Old Town, past monuments and the iconic Domtoren, a 14th century bell tower with city views.
EmeraldPLUS: Clog Painting on board

After breakfast, it is time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport for your onward or homebound flight.